Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades discussed Monday morning the ongoing peace process with UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim.
The meeting lasted about an hour and no statements were made afterwards.
According to reliable sources, the meeting was held as Buttenheim has assumed an enhanced role in the Cyprus process, after Alexander Downer has stepped down from his post as UN SG’s Special Advisor on Cyprus.
The President discussed with Butteheim procedural matters, as well as the potential for the EU assuming an upgraded and more active role in the process.
Moreover, according to a UN source, the meeting was held in an excellent climate.
Buttenheim is expected to depart tomorrow for New York, to meet with UN SG Ban Ki-moon, as well as with Alexander Downer.
The same source expressed UN support to the ongoing peace process.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu reached last February an agreement, paving the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, aiming to reunite the country under a federal roof.